NDLEA Issues the Riot Act to Drug Peddlers, Users in Plateau

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Command in Plateau State has warned drug peddlers and users to desist from the act or face the consequences of their actions.

The NDLEA issued the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Jos, against the backdrop of the UN International Day against drug abuse and illegal drug trade, observed every June 26.

The 2023 event is with the theme: ‘People first: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.’

The Plateau NDLEA Commander and Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Umar Yahuza, said illicit drug trade would not thrive if both peddlers and users understood the dangers of the menace.

“I want to plead with the society. First of all because we believe that if there is no demand, then there won’t be supply. If people will not patronise drug dealers, naturally they will abandon the trade.

“So I want to appeal to the general public to please join NDLEA in this fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse, so we can deter our youths from further indulging in the act.

“For the drug dealers, I want to tell them that they should desist from this evil trade; they should leave it because it is an illegal, outlawed business.

“If they don’t abandon the trade, NDLEA will come after them, and surely they will be charged to court, they will face the wrath of the law,” Yahuza said.

The commander, who explained that the day was a culmination of a weeklong series of events in commemoration of the UN Drug Day, said the agency earlier held a sensitisation walk through Jos metropolis.

He added that the agency had recorded notable amounts of seizures and arrests of peddlers in the state within the first quarter of the year.

According to him, the seizures amounted to 605kg of illicit drugs, while 650 suspects were arrested.

Yahuza, while appreciating government at all levels for the support to the agency, called for the state government’s assistance in completing the drug rehabilitation centre in the state.

“I still want to appeal to the state government; we are making headway in the state.

“Our people are making impact on society, and the public is enjoying the sacrifices that the agency is making to see that the people of Plateau State remain drug free.

“We all know that if a society is drug-free, then you have also curtailed criminality and crimes by supporting us.

“We thank His Excellency, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, for his assistance so far in such a short time.

“I want to appeal to the government to please hasten the completion of the drug rehabilitation centre that is currently at a comatose stage,” he said. (NAN)